In a context of declining populations, this paper examines the factors influencing youth migration to non-capital, small and medium-sized cities. It challenges the traditional understanding of quality jobs, positing that contemporary youth prioritize ...
In a context of declining populations, this paper examines the factors influencing youth migration to non-capital, small and medium-sized cities. It challenges the traditional understanding of quality jobs, positing that contemporary youth prioritize jobs aligning with their personal values and satisfaction. The study analyzes youth migration patterns, focusing on the role of job diversity and personal job satisfaction. It finds that diverse and fulfilling job opportunities significantly drive long-distance youth migration, indicating a preference for new experiences and growth opportunities. In contrast, short-distance migration tends to be influenced by traditional employment factors such as job stability and wages. These insights underscore the need for smaller cities to develop employment policies that prioritize job diversity and personal satisfaction to attract young people. The research highlights a shift in youth employment preferences, suggesting that policies focusing solely on traditional labor conditions may be insufficient. Instead, a comprehensive approach, including fostering diverse job opportunities, is essential to address the challenges of population decline in smaller cities.